posted on 2008-05-16, 00:00authored byChad M. Kormos, Nicholas E. Leadbeater
We present here a strategy for the preparation of nonsymmetrically substituted stilbenes using a one-pot two-step double Heck strategy. First a protocol is developed for the selective preparation of a range of styrenes using ethene as the alkene coupling partner. Then conditions are found for the effective coupling of the styrenes with aryl halides using a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of the two components. The use of the microwave apparatus to perform the reactions offers a convenient method for synthesis as well as for safely, easily, and accurately loading vessels with gaseous reagents.